Miss Frenchie’s – Karla's Cottage

I love new gravel

By Karla Nathan / August 25, 2015

If only our gravel drive and walkways always looked this good! Too bad it is so costly to have fresh rocks delivered, or I'd do it every year. We usually keep it to every four years. Heck, for what we spend over time, we could probably pay for concrete.

Maybe not, we have a LOT of driveway.

And walkways.

Now, you might think this is a blah subject for pictures. But to me, it is a heavenly site to see a big, expanse of newly spread rock with no weeds or grass growing through it (yet). And lush, green, overgrown landscaping. After years of draught, I forgot Kansas could be pretty in August. Not much is in bloom, but it sure is green this year!

I love the fresh, clean, weedless expanse of a newly spread load (or three) of rock.

So do the grand fairies. Although, it doesn't look quite the same when they have had their fun with it.

All of this new rock was unplanned. We had a torn up area in front of the house from digging some gas lines, and needed to repair it. Originally, there was gravel to the left, a propane tank hidden by a decades and decades old lilac bush, then wild, overgrown ground cover to the right and center.

Taking out the gas lines and the propane tank left this mess and wrecked the lilac.

At first I was discouraged by the look of it all.

Then, I saw the opportunities. Why not turn this spot into two parking areas instead of one? We do tend to have a lot of guests.

And I turned the ripped out lilac into a pile of prospective broomsticks for the witch kits I'll be making for Romantic Gothic Ghosts.

Since we needed new gravel for the front of the house, we had extra delivered and did most of the rest of the trails and drives too. I kind of wish we had done this one, but we just mow it every once in a while and it stays okay.

But this area was a challenge. The gas line redo had left mounds of dirt where our sump pump drains into the yard and it would cause the water to back up into the basement again.

So, I dug a long trench from the house to the driveway, filled it with river rock, and created a flower bed around it before the gravel guys came out.

Not knowing that the gravel guys could have just graded it for me with the bobcat.

Now, they had to work around the area I had slaved over in the heat!!

Sometimes it sucks to be a know-it-all-do-it-yourselfer.

I do like the new flower bed, though. I didn't line the bottom half with bricks or stones, because I know that cars would just run over them and knock them loose. I've seen it happen here. Also, I plan for the ground cover to spread over the edges by next year.

Along the wall of the house, I made another bed. I've put in shrubs, but need one more. I had to wait till the gas meter was installed so the bush wouldn't be in the way.

The local nursery was having a 50-75% off clearance, and I skedaddled over there to load up on flowers and plants. It has been a moist summer, so I think it is safe to plant. Normally, the ground would've been hard as stone in August, but it was pretty easy to slip Russian sage, weigela, phlox, lemon grass and daisies into the ground.

So easy, that I went back to the nursery and bought 18 daisies and painted daisies to add in front of the studio. I can't wait to see if they bloom next year!! At $1 each, if only half bloom, I'll still feel happy about it.

Speaking of the studio, new gas lines went through it too. I had the option of ripping up drywall, or just adding an ugly black pipe through the room.

I chose the pipe, painted it white, and hung plates from it. The plates were up there on nails before, so it isn't a huge change in the look of the room, but I think they look pretty hanging from the pipe instead. Plus, the soffit really needed a fresh coat of paint, it had been about 10 years.

And it was much easier than repairing drywall!

At the Holiday Brocante

antiques/junking, Miss Frenchie's

By Karla Nathan / December 13, 2009

Thank you all for your kind words about Bookie. I'm sorry for all of your losses too, these furry little guys are always a big part of our lives and our hearts. No matter how smelly and old they get, they are always our babies, aren't they?

My email problem is getting worse. I'd say close to half of all emails I send are returned as undeliverable due to a "fatal error." (Bobbi, Robin, Chloe, Diane, and dozens of others got bounced back to me, addresses that I know are good and I have used numerous times!)

Which is not a good thing when you have an online business… But I can READ all the emails and comments that I get, I've just given up on trying to answer until I get this problem fixed. There were so many moving comments about our love for our pets, and I appreciated each and every one.

Last week at this time, I was unloading the truck from Miss Frenchie's Holiday Brocante, and piling the tubs up in my studio. They are still not unpacked yet, and I realized I also still hadn't posted the photos of my booth.

Please excuse the slight blur, the lighting was not the best, and even though I splurged and got the dream come true camera- its still only as good as its owner! Actually, that's not completely true, I use it mostly in point and shoot mode and it makes adjustments all by itself for my lack of skill. But these photos would have been better if I'd figured out how to use the ISO settings.

The peacock feather fans were popular, and so were the foofed putz houses, and the pearls in this photo. Funny, I had the same things at Silver Bella and they didn't get a second look, here they about sold out. I had tons of those little cottages and all sold but a few that were kind of tucked away. I have three in my Boutique right now, along with a couple of fans that are left too.

My table arrangement for this show was sooooo much better than what I did for Silver Bella. In Omaha, I ended up with only 9 feet of space, instead of the expected 10 feet, and when you try to fit a U-shaped display into only 9 feet, you create a closed in little spot. If I'd been smart, I would have just given up my third table instead of making it all squeeze in.

For Miss Frenchie's, I was very pleased with the spaciousness of using an elongated L-shape for my 3 tables. I don't do a lot of shows, but try to learn a little from each one, and from this season, I discovered that while it is good to have a LOT of stuff to sell, it is not good to squeeze it in to too small of an area. You would think that would just be something I'd already have figured out at my age and all the shows I've done, huh?

A big plus about our Miss Frenchie's venue, is that we have solid wood walls that we can hang things on. I used my winter white velvet curtains from my living room (and from Target before that- I adore the Shabby Chic department at Target!!!). Then cut down some mini trees from the woods behind our house and dusted them with white spray paint, and screwed them to the wall above the curtains and draped them in white lights.

It was simple and easy, but got a lot of compliments. Which is always a wonderful thing!

These pieces were meant to hang above my booth, but I used them to decorate this corner by the stairs instead. It saved me from a few more nail holes in my living room curtains, too!

Even though I was chilled for most of the event, it was a wonderful sale and such fun. And I doubt that the customers were cold, only parts of the building were chilly and shoppers were moving around. My problem was that I was sitting still in a drafty area. But the cold was worth braving, the weekend was sure worth it. I get so much out of these shows beyond just sales. I love meeting so many like minded people who enjoy the same little pretties that I do.

What do I not enjoy about shows? Unpacking. Ugh. I've put it off for a week, its probably about time to face the piles. But before I do that, I have an even more enjoyable task to tackle. My email problem! Double Ugh.

Cold toes, warm heart

antiques/junking, celebrations, holiday decor, Miss Frenchie's

By Karla Nathan / December 6, 2009

What an event! Miss Frenchie's was once again, a beautiful place to be! The barn was magically transformed into a winter wonderland of treasures.

Sadly, our friend, Elizabeth wasn't able to set up for the sale, but she did drive in from St. Louis to visit and shop. Her over the top, brilliant displays were missed, but we were glad to see her. Willow's Nest stepped in to fill the barn annex where Elizabeth was before, and I have to tell you, they were amazing. My chair was situated so that I had a view of their wares and GORGEOUS set up the whole weekend, and it was all I could do to stay in my own booth. I felt drawn back to their space to wander around and drool on things.

I certainly hope that for our next Miss Frenchie's event, we get both Elizabeth and Willow's Nest! Wouldn't that be something magnificent???

Why, oh why, did I not buy one of Linda's sweet vintage coin purses with a millinery rose tucked in, so I could hang it on my own tree?? She only had a few of them and they were really reasonable ($10). I'd be kicking myself if my feet weren't still so cold. I'm afraid a toe would snap off if I tried to kick anything.

Once my feet get cold, they just don't warm up, no matter what I do. I slipped my gloves onto them, and borrowed a rug from the entry way to keep off the cold cement, but did not dip them into my hot coffee like I really wanted to.

Debbie, of Curious Sofa, was serving delicious soup that warmed me up from the inside out, that helped. And we were so busy, that most of the time I forgot how cold my toes were.

Carol, of Raised in Cotton, was my near neighbor and her spot was a joy to the eyes too. Plus, she is always ready for a laugh or a story. Its always fun to be near Carol.

Near us was Angela, of Angel Court, who brought sparkly beauties that matched her outgoing, and sparkling personality.

Linda, of Willow's Nest, is an astounding individual with a sense of style like no one else. Even when dressed like a Snow Queen, she has a warm personality that draws you near. And a wealth of information about antique shows!

I really enjoyed being her neighbor for the day and seeing her creations. She was a Silver Bella vendor too, but I didn't get a chance to talk to her then, so was really glad to be set up near her for this show.

Another new friend from this show, was Joyce. I've bought things from her at my favorite antique mall in the world, Rusty Chandelier, but had never met her before.

And yes, she sold me the curtains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've already hung them up, it was the first thing I did when I got home last night. I still had my coat on, and was climbing up on a chair to play with the fabulous, old, French netting before I even said hello to Twinkle. I'll have photos of my new kitchen look soon.

Beth was my next door neighbor on the other side, but the way our booths were set up, we really didn't get much of a chance to hang out. We'll have to schedule a craft day for some catch up time.

Her booth was a hit, she not only makes cool stuff, she searches out and finds the coolest, old things imaginable by attending every single auction and estate sale that she can find in the greater Kansas City area. Then she marks it up about 2 or 3 cents over what she paid for it and people swarm in to buy it!

(she's a brilliant accountant, so I'm sure she is making a profit somehow, but man, her prices are so good, it doesn't seem like she could be!)

Here is another view I had from my spot. Barbara Farmer's rich colored, sequin fruit was a splash of vibrancy that kept drawing my eye all day.

And what on Earth is wrong with me, that I didn't snap up one of Lesa Daily's birds???????

She makes the most magical creations. As soon as my feet warm up, I'll need to give myself a kick for missing those too.

Here is a bit of French by Design's goodies brought back from their European sprees. I don't think I can show you my booth today, after all these exquisite treasures.

Mine are all from rural Kansas garage sales, not world class antiques….

Have I mentioned how LUCKY I am to be a part of such a great show? Its not just the event itself (which is quite wonderful, beautiful, and lucrative!!), its the atmosphere of being around such talented and giving women that make the weekend so special for me.

No matter how cold my toes are.

DecemBrrrrrrrrhhh! Scenes from a set up

antiques/junking, Miss Frenchie's, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 4, 2009

I wanted to let you know that for some reason, quite a few of my emails are coming back as undeliverable. If you didn't receive a reply from me, hey, it isn't MY fault! But, still, sorry that they are not reaching you.

This sweet little snow ball, is Pearl, Debbie's dog. She seems snug and cozy as can be on this pillow while her 'mom' sets up her display for Miss Frenchie's sale this weekend, but she is probably feeling as frosty as her snow white coat looks! We had NO HEAT while setting up the barn today for the sale. The furnace was out, and will be fixed by tomorrow when the guests come, but man, was it cold setting up today!

You can practically see Greg shaking with the cold! We all were. Greg does these beautiful calendars, I'm sure you've seen. Its great to have such wonderful artists as part of the show. I just hope his poor fingers didn't get frost bite today and ruin his career.

As cold as it was, the cockles of my heart were warmed by the site of these lace panels!

I want them for my home!! I pre-shopped a bit and was told that I could maybe buy these, or at least would have first shot at them if the dealer decides to sell them. She wasn't sure if she would keep them or let them go. I sure fell for them, and would love to see them hanging in my kitchen…. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Currently, I have curtains from Bed Bath and Beyond, and honestly could do better. I've been searching for years for something that would be elegant, old, and affordable all at the same time. This would fit the bill at $100 for 6 panels. I hope she does decide to let me have them! (BB&Beyond curtains are $40 each, and these are in a whole other league than those, so would be quite the beautiful bargain!!)

Carol, who is normally neutral, is going for a splash of red. I can't wait to see her display when it is done. Everything she does is styled to perfection!

My pal, Gwen, imports all her goods from shopping sprees in France. She's made these ornaments from some ephemera gathered there.

She has great stories of her travels, and my dream is to some day take a guided French Flea market tour with her. Of course, my usual shopping is Kansas garage sales, so this will probably stay just a dream, not a reality.

Willows Nest Farm has more than just the beginnings of a beautiful set up.

Down to the smallest detail, their spot is amazing. I can't wait till I get the feeling back in my poor frozen toes so I can explore there.

My booth? Its not done yet. I was way too cold to finish. I was working away for hours, before I heard the furnace was broken. I was trying to put my best face forward, go with the flow and not get too upset about the cold, but when I heard that the furnace was not lit at all, I gave up! I figure I'll go back and set up tomorrow AFTER it is fixed! No reason to power through and be brave in the cold if the heat will be on tomorrow.

Plus, I am so relived that our shoppers and guests won't have to deal with the cold, I was worried that the barn just wasn't going to be warm. Its a relief to know there was an actual problem, not just draftiness!
And, we have a WARM room for the guests to wait in for the doors to open. No long line in the cold.

Here is a little December gift for you, a calendar I scanned from an old book for you to use in your projects or just to print and keep on your desk to write notes to yourself on.

Until the heat is fixed, I'm cozying up to the wood stove and starting the book I need to have finished for book club on Monday. Got a bit of a late start…

Isn't this a glorious full moon? I don't know what that ring around it is called, but to me, it sure looks like a fairy circle.

Do you want a copy of Hankie Style by Amy?

antiques/junking, Books, collections, give away, Miss Frenchie's, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 1, 2009

Time for a winner! This bundle of vintage trims, wrapped up in an embroidered doily, and topped with a millinery rose goes to:

SUZY

Which is really cool, because she is a sewer! I'm sure she'll whip up something wonderful with the old lace.

Notice the sweet little white tree I tied onto the ribbon? I just love those. I bleached, dyed, and glittered a bunch of them to sell, but have kept them all to tie onto packages this holiday.

Wrapping up packages in special ways probably has become my main hobby now. I have such fun digging through my goodies to make the things I send out look nice.

This tag goes to a friend, and it was made with little scraps of my Heavenly Papers.

Personally, I prefer using bits and pieces of old papers instead of cutting into a big piece if I am doing a small project. Plus, its all so dear to me that I can't waste an inch of prettiness!!!

So, I wrapped up the trimmings from my wallpaper cutting this week and listed 3 bags full in the boutique.

I HOPE, that I will have time to list more larger pieces, man those went fast!! Thanks again, its good to see that my obsession is shared by so many of you. After Miss Frenchie's I'll try to wrap some more up for the shop, I appreciate all your inquiries.

Packing is going slow for Miss Frenchie's. I might be doing a last minute crunch to be ready. Not my style at all!! I like to be ready a week early so I can relax. But this time, life got in the way.

We had a couple of bonus Sugarwings days (always worth postponing work for!)and Saturday the weather was so beautiful, Sugarwings, my husband, and I just had to clean out the garage and pick up the garden a bit. We had a big bonfire going as I ruthlessly pitched stuff, burning lots of useless crap. What a good feeling, to have an uncluttered garage.

But not such a good feeling today. I only have half a tub ready to take!

Believe it or not, I am ready for the new giveaway and it is only the first day of the month. Usually I have to ponder on the piles I have accumulated to see what I want to put up for the drawing. But this time, a friend offered her newest book.

Its written by a local Kansas City gal,

Amy Barickman

who runs Indygo Junction and Vintage Workshop, and is full of great ideas and style. Just another reason why I'm proud to be in the KC area! Its great to have such talented women around- Amy, Carol, and Debbie, are just a few of the locals whose sense of vintage style I admire.

Amy is also generously giving the winner a $25 gift certificate for vintage image downloads!! Yahoo!

Since the book was about hankies (which I just adore, and hoarde collect) I found a couple that matched the picture on the cover to include, in case you wanted to make that pattern with them. You can also purchase downloads of vintage hankie prints here:

http://www.thevintageworkshop.com/store/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=hankies&x=9&y=10

(or use your winning $25 gift certificate!)

If you don't win you can buy a copy of the book here: http://www.indygojunctioninc.com/store/

All comments, all month count.

If you are anywhere close to Kansas City, or can get there, come to see some of the great goods that we have to offer around here this weekend. Its our 3rd Miss Frenchie's sale and it promises to be a good one!

Frenchie’s preview pics and shop updates

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, holiday decor, I do tend to run on, don't I?, Miss Frenchie's, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / November 30, 2009

While I've been busy gathering goods up for Miss Frenchie's sale this weekend, I've taken a break to package up some of that great wallpaper I told you about.

I just loved playing with all the pretty papers and making packages for you to use! I package them in a few different ways, one is all coordinated, another is a varied selection. Also, I try to make varied sizes, some jam packed and others a bit smaller, to fit all budgets.

You can find them in my Boutique, and it looks like they are already selling before I've even had a chance to tell you about them! Thanks, guys, its good to see that I'm not alone in my wallpaper love!

Also, just wanted to let you know that there are only a few Crystal Crown Rings left. I'd better slip in and get one for myself before they are all gone!

The trees are re-stocked in my Etsy shop too. Why do I have the trees in a different shop? Laziness. I sold them there last year, so now, I just have to renew the old listing, not take all new photos and relist. Simple and quick.

Well, the bleaching, dying, gluing, glittering, packaging part isn't quick, but the listing is, and I'll take any little bit of help I can get!

Sugarwing's Daddy helped me cut wallpaper. He's the sensitive, artist type and is always happy to help in the studio when I need him. I was freaking out about my major budget blow out on all the paper I'd bought and how little time I had to get it packaged, with Miss Frenchie's sale looming. So, he jumped in and started chopping.

We sliced two sizes, 8 x 10 and 11 x 14. But, I don't have the clear envelopes to fit the larger sizes!! Someday, I'll have a chance to sit at the computer and look up glycine sleeves and get some ordered, then will list the bigger pieces. Sorry! They are sitting here waiting for me to make time.

Twinkle is wondering when I'll have time to spend with her too. As excited as I am to be going to Miss Frenchie's and as lucky as I am to be included on such a FANTASTIC, premier sale, I'm getting tired! I'm ready to kick back with Christmas music on the stereo, a frosty glass of egg nog in my hand, and the Christmas tree twinkling in the dark. Don't you love evenings by the light of a Christmas tree? Especially if there is a fire lit.

And we always have a fire lit, we heat our house mostly with wood. Now, I just need the tree and the time to set it up and enjoy it!

This is why I am slightly exhausted. I'm setting up my "trial run" for Miss Frenchie's, and getting it planned, tagged and packed.

I'll leave you with some scenes of my table. I'm heading over to it to pack it up and get it ready to load in the big red pick up truck on Thursday.

Ahhh, that’s better!

housework, how to's, magazine pictures or articles, Miss Frenchie's, paintings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / April 27, 2009

Today, I made time for a little more sprucing in the studio. I repainted Sugarwing's old milk box seat and her little vanity.

Both were done in my short cut style. I use spray bonding primer in white, then brush on/wipe off glaze (pink for the fairy grand baby), let dry and spray varnish. How simple and quick is that? No sanding and not much time involved.

Spray primer (Zinzer Bulls-eye, bonding primer) adheres to anything. And, is meant to be under paint, so you can't leave it as is. But I skip the whole painting step and go straight to glaze, then top coat it and it really does well that way, plus saves time. Which I never have enough of!

To me, this is a big improvement in the room. There is so much going on in here anyway, that having the furniture more tone on tone is much more soothing.

Lightening up these two chests with wallpaper on the drawers helps too.

Who am I kidding? This room is crazy busy no matter what I do!!

But, its fun for me to have all the things I love around. Some people make inspiration boards to hang over their workspace, I use the whole room as one.

The canvas mural I painted for my booth at Miss Frenchie's was bothering me too. I had hung it in the closet area behind the folding screen, but I prefer the plain white wall there. With just a bit of the mural peeking over the doors, it seemed kind of messy. And I get plenty of messiness with projects strewn all over, I didn't need any faux messes.

But I was able to find a space for it that fit better. Here it is hanging in my computer gazebo area. The studio is one big room, and I have it divided up with doors, screens, large pieces of furniture, and yes, a gazebo.

My son and I made it really simply with 4 porch columns, decorative iron brackets, and two by fours.

We built the structure as a display area when I used to have antique sales at my home and used my studio as a showroom. This photo was taken by Diane Guthrie for Romantic Country magazine.

I loved the twinkle lights and tulle, but the lights burnt out and the tulle got all dusty and full of spiders, so it is gone now.

Having the French market scene above my computer will be a fun memento of a great weekend at Miss Frenchie's.

Unless it drives me crazy staring at my own work and I do nothing but pick out the flaws in it…. Of course, there used to be a mirror there before the mural. And I have to tell you, there were plenty more flaws to pick out there.

Ahh, yes, I think I'm going to like it here. Spring cleaning and a fresh start has made me excited to get back to work.

Too bad I am such a pig when I work, or I could wear this new tee from Robin and match my studio!

And isn't this just the sweetest thing? A guest at Miss Frenchie's sent this lovely note to my friend, Angie, for telling her about our sale!

First of all, what a thoughtful thing to do, and second- I want to write like that! I wish I could do calligraphy!!!!!!!!!!! Especially this pretty.

Remember these? When I was prepping for the sale, I made up LOTS of extra inventory to list in my Boutique. Slowly but surely, I hope to get stuff listed there. I did add a few of these knobs and some of my watch necklaces.

A few odds and ends of craft supplies have been added too. Not many yet, I really need to get myself back to working instead of playing dress up with my studio.

EDIT- Tour more redos at this Make Over Open House:

http://sanctuaryart.blogspot.com/2009/04/welcome-to-make-over-open-house.html

A mini tutorial just in time for May Day and Mother’s Day

flowers, how-to projects, Miss Frenchie's

By Karla Nathan / April 20, 2009

For some reason, I didn't do much shopping at Miss Frenchie's myself. I missed out on some great items, and am kicking myself about some vintage lace curtain panels thatDebbie had. I guess that when I go to a show, I am in a selling mode, not a buying one.

There were a few little souveniers I picked up for myself, though. One of these great "Miss Frenchie's April in Paris" candles from Debbie, and from Beth, this Eiffel tower. I might glitter it up. When I get caught up. If that can ever happen.

Part of getting caught up was cleaning up around the house a bit, (with me away 4 days in a row, and life going on without me to pick up after it, the house got a little – no a lot- messy). And I have neglected my yard getting ready for this sale, so I took a couple hours today to tidy up and hit dandelions with Round Up. I adore that stuff. I should own stock in the company I use so much of it.

The bundles of pansies and violas that I used as props at the sale needed to be potted, so I planted them, and used the moss I'd had for the sale too.

People at the sale seemed to be taken with the bundles of pansies, and I got a lot of inquiries about them. So, I thought I'd do a mini tutorial for you. With May Day and Mother's Day both around the corner, these are a handy and inexpensive little gift.

Start with a 4 pack of bedding plants and try to get a good one, with lots of blooms on it.

Remove from the pots and soak the roots in water. (you can add root starter if you'd like)

Wrap the wet root ball in a paper napkin.

Wrap the wet napkin-ed roots in a piece of Saran Wrap, making sure you have it covered well, so it won't leak.

Select paper to tie up the plant in. I used pages torn from an old book titled "Art in Every Day Life" because I liked seeing those words across the top of the package.

You could use scrapbook paper, lace paper doilies, gift wrap, just about anything you'd like.

I chose a wide, ivory ribbon to tie around my plants. Raffia, rickrack, lots of things would work.

Since I was going to a show and needed greenery for my tables, I made up quite a few of these. There was no leakage, and 5 days later they were still in good shape to plant.

These bundles look so pretty and it is a nice presentation that takes little time or money. Sometimes, I add one to a gift bag to stick out of the top. Its like a bouquet with a bonus, because they can be planted later and enjoyed for a long time!

Magic in a Midwestern Barn

Miss Frenchie's

By Karla Nathan / April 19, 2009

We had a fantastic weekend at Miss Frenchie's! And Alexander Majors Barn (and Historical House) was a perfect location for the event. Not only was the staff welcoming, kind, and over the top helpful, we also got to contribute to this historical home and bring in some people to see it, who might not have even been aware that it existed.

Our merchandise was set up in the barn behind the home, and some of our vendors,
Donnie Volkart, and Elizabeth Maxson, had taken advantage of the lovely day and sat up on the lawn while this hardworking lady in the background tills up the garden the old fashioned way- with a hand plow!

I hope we at least raised enough money for the place to afford a mule for planting time.

The show was WELL ATTENDED, and that is no exaggeration! I kind of poled people as they checked out, asking how they heard about the show. Of course the biggest number was from Curious Sofa, Debbie has a well deserved following. But I was also pleased to hear that some people saw my sign while driving by and dropped in.

Donnie's things on the lawn probably caught the eye of people passing by too!

He had an eclectic mix, packed up straight from his week in Round Top.

Last winter, when we had our first ever, Frenchie's Brocante, we only used a fraction of the space. This time we opened up the other half of the barn, plus used the upstairs and the yards.

This is Carol's area, leading back to Elizabeth's.

And remember me telling you about the chandeliers Elizabeth was hanging? Well, it sure was worth her dangling 20 feet in the air and staying up till 4am, look at her space!

Everything was breathtaking back there.

Of course, so was Debbie's.

And Carol's.

And ALL OF IT. We had some amazing dealers and artists.

With gorgeous views from every angle!

(this is looking down on Beth's booth from the stairs)

I was glad I had taken the time to drape my ceiling in lights and lace. It made for a romantic atmosphere that I enjoyed spending time in.

Beth and I had adjoining spaces, and we shared a checkout table under the stair way to save room. I draped it in lace too, mostly to make it nice to sit under, so we didn't feel like trolls under a bridge, but also because I didn't want dirt and ucky stuff falling through the open stairs onto our heads.

Next, time, we are filling that crinoline with twinkle lights! The ones we plugged in this time didn't work, and there was no time to get another string of them.

My worries about sitting next to the bakery all weekend were justified. THEY BAKE HOME MADE CROISSANTS. And did I mention that they were some of the most buttery, delicious things I have ever had????

I'll leave you with a few shots of my booth.

In the next few days, as I unpack, I'll be listing some goodies in the shop. When I prepared for the show, I made up lots of extras to have for my on line Boutique.

I'll also pick a gift out for the April Giveaway and take a photo of that for you. I hope that you all know that there is always a PRESENT of some kind here on my blog? and all comments count all month as entries.

Off to restock!

Miss Frenchie's

By Karla Nathan / April 18, 2009

We are having way too much fun at Miss Frenchies! I'm on my way back to Kansas City to restock my booth and get ready for today's bustling bunch of shoppers. So, no time for more pictures, but I promise, there are tons coming. This one is from Marylin, and HERE is a link to some from Mary.